Arulmigu Sri Kayarohanaswami Temple in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, is a historic Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known locally as Kayarohana, the temple’s main deity is revered alongside his consort Nilayathakshi. Established in the 6th century CE, it has been praised by Nayanmars Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar. Constructed by the Lakolisa cult from Gujarat, this temple is one of two in Tamil Nadu, the other being in Kanchipuram, and holds an idol of Thyagaraja made from lapis lazuli.
The name "Kayarohana" is derived from "kaya" (body) and "arohana" (raising), signifying a deep connection to body and spirit. As a twin of the Kayarohana temple in Gujarat, it reflects a shared cultural heritage. The name "Karona" may also trace back to "Kar Onam," with Lord Vishnu referred to as "Onathan." The temple was rebuilt over centuries by the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara kings and is recognized as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.
In nearby Tiruvarur, Thyagaraja Swamy at the Thyagarajar Temple is famed for ajapa thanam, a divine “dance without chanting” performed by the deity itself. According to legend, a Chola king named Mucukunta received an image of Thyagaraja Swamy resting on Lord Vishnu’s chest as a boon from Indra. The deity’s image, originally hidden among six replicas, was identified correctly by the king and enshrined in Tiruvarur, with the others placed in six other temples.
These seven temples, known as Saptha Vidangam, each feature unique dance styles attributed to the deities when taken in procession, a tradition believed to invoke the deity’s movements through the bearers. These sites, located across the Cauvery delta in villages like Thirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam, Tirukarayil, Thirunallar, Thiruvaimur, and Tirumaraikadu, are revered as centers of divine dance, emphasizing the spiritual symbolism of movement in worship.